ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Gadkari calls upon Fragrance and Flavours Association of India to focus on domestic production & import substitution
Minister emphasizes on the need for enhancing bamboo production in the country
Union Minister for MSME and Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari today held meeting via video conferencing with the members of Fragrances and Flavours Association of India on impact of COVID-19 on startup eco system and MSMEs. During this interaction, the members expressed concerns regarding various challenges being faced by MSMEs amid COVID-19 pandemic along with few suggestions and requested support from the government to keep the sector afloat.
Shri Gadkari suggested to the Fragrances and Flavours Industry to focus on domestic production of products instead of using imported products and emphasized domestic production of bamboo. He added that industry should focus more on innovation, technology and research skill to become competitive in global market.
Some of the major issues highlighted and the suggestions given included: Higher import duty on raw material and lower import duty on finished items, power and transport issues in North East region, payment of salaries to workers, strengthening access to finance, working capital issue, fast track Income tax refund to provide liquidity.
Shri Gadkari responded to the questions from representatives and assured all possible help from the government. He informed that he would take up the issues with related departments.
Ministry of Defence
Curtain Raiser - HADR Exercise TIGER TRIUMPH to Commence at Visakhapatnam
In consonance with the growing partnership between India and the US, the maiden India US joint Tri services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief  Exercise named ‘TIGER TRIUMPH’ is scheduled on the Eastern seaboard from 13 to 21 Nov 19. Indian Naval ships Jalashwa, Airavat and Sandhayak, Indian Army troops from 19 Madras and 7 Guards, and Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters and Rapid Action Medical Team  would be participating in the exercise. The US would be represented by US Navy Ship Germantown with troops from US Third Marine Division. The Exercise is aimed to developing interoperability for conducting HADR operations.
The Harbour Phase is scheduled at Visakhapatnam from 13 to 16 Nov 19. The Opening Ceremony along with a Joint Flag Parade and Media Interaction will be held onboard INS Jalashwa on 14 Nov 19. Personnel from both navies would also participate in Training Visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Sports Events and social interactions. On completion of theHarbour Phase, the ships, with troops embarked, would sail for the Sea Phase and undertake Maritime, Amphibious and HADR operations. On reaching the HADR areaat Kakinada, the landing of Relief Forces would be undertaken to the Exercise scenario.
At the HADR Exercise Area, a Joint Command and Control Centre, would be established jointly by the Indian Army and US Marines. The IAFRAMT and the US Navy Medical Team would establish a Medical Facility Camp for providing medical aid to victims, who would have been previously evacuated by road and air to the Camp. The Exercise would culminate withaClosing Ceremony onboard US Naval Ship Germantown on 21 Nov 19.
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Ministry of Tourism
India and Finland sign an MoU for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Government of Finland was signedon 21.11.2019 for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism. The MOU was signed by Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of Indiaand Ministerfor Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Government of Finland MrTimoHarakka. A high level delegation consisting of Mr. ArtoHaapea, Minister Counsellor/DHM and Ms. RitvaKoukku-ronde, Ambassador-Designate accompanied the Finnish minister MrTimoHarakka. Secretary, Tourism Shri YogendraTripathi was also present on the ocassion.
India and Finland have enjoyed a strong diplomatic and long economic relationship. The two countries now desiring to strengthen and further develop the established relationship have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Finland is one of the important inbound source market for India. In 2018, 21239 Finnish tourists visited India. The signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Finland will be instrumental in increasing tourist arrivals from this source market.
The signing of Memorandum of Understanding is expected to establish the basis for a cooperative relationship to encourage and promote successful bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, sharing data, knowledge, expertise etc. related to tourism and sharing experiences in making polices, regulation and standards in planning, implementation and development of tourism policy, encouraging development of partnerships in the context of multilateral development programs and projects of international Financial Institutions, in which both participants have common interests.
Earlier yesterday, Ms MARIYNA NIKOLOVA - Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Demographic Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria accompanied by a high level delegation met Minister for Culture and Tourism , Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India on 20.11.2019 and discussed the ways and means to promote and develop tourism between India and Bulgaria.
Election Commission
73.97% Voter Turnout in Fifth Phase of Lok Sabha Poll in West Bengal
Kolkata, May 6, 2019
Seven Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal went for poll in the fifth phase of General Election, today. In this phase of election, 51 constituencies across seven States, including seven constituencies of West Bengal-Bangaon , Barrackpur, Howrah, Uluberia, Sreerampur, Hooghly and Arambag  had poll. The voter turnout is 73.97% till 5 pm. During the said time, the poll percentage of Baharampur was 71.97, whereas, the percentage in Bangaon , Barrackpur,Howrah, Uluberia, Sreerampur, Hooghly and Arambag  are 76.18, 71.28, 67.59, 77.57, 73.31, 76.14, and 75.73 respectively. Total 11,691,889 electors exercised their franchise, said the Chief Electoral Officer , West Bengal, Dr Aariz Aftab in a press meet today in Kolkata. There was also a bye-election in the Uluberia Purba Assembly constituency also, where the average polling percentage was 79.90 till 5 pm.
There was Central Armed Police Forces  in every polling booth in West Bengal in this phase of poll.
Dr Aftab stated that barring few stray incidents, the polling in this phase was peaceful.
According to Shri S N Gupta, the Additional Director General , West Bengal police who was also present in the press meet, five FIRs have been lodged and 42 persons arrested as preventive measures for specific cases. He added that the total number of persons injured in stray incidents were 12.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Penal Provision of Fema Covers Violation of FDI Policy Regulations
FDI in retail has been allowed in a calibrated manner after intensive consultations with stakeholders including concerned Ministries and departments, State Governments, apex industry chambers, associations and other organizations. Suggestions and views received from various stakeholders and public on various aspects of FDI regime are examined before taking appropriate action.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. He said that there is no proposal to set up a special group to keep tabs on any violation of its foreign investment policy by online retail platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra. However, any violation of Foreign Direct Investment  policy regulations is covered by the penal provision of the FEMA, 1999.
Reserve bank of India administers the FEMA and Enforcement Directorate under the Ministry of Finance is the authority for the enforcement of FEMA. The Minister also informed the House that the Government has not made any assessment of the direct impact of Walmart and Flipkart deal on small traders.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Elite, Developmental and Khelo India category shooters will be provided ammunition so they can continue training at home range: Shri Kiren Rijiju
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri. Kiren Rijiju visited Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range and interacted with shooters on Wednesday. During his visit Sports Minister announced that shooters of all categories – elite, developmental and Khelo India – will be given ammunition and targets from KSSR and other accredited academies so that they can continue to train at their home range.
Speaking about the decision, Sports Minister said, “It is important that athletes, especially 2024 and 2028 Olympic probables get a chance to continue their training wherever they are in the country. They may not be able to visit KSSR or other academies owing to the Covid 19 situation. However, many of them practice in their home range as well as in facilities near their homes. We want to ensure that their training is in no way compromised because of lack of availability of ammunition. Athletes can collect whatever they need from KSSR and other accredited academies and continue their sporting activities.”
The decision will impact a total of 253 shooters across elite, developmental and Khelo India athletes, who can now train at a sporting facility convenient for them, without having to come to Dr.KSSR. With this decision elite shooters like Apurvi Chandela, Anjum Moudgil, Saurabh Chaudhary and several others will have the advantage of training in their hometowns. Speaking about the decision, elite shooter Anish Bhanwala, who interacted with Sports Minister during his visit, said, “It felt great that Minister Sir came to meet us and enquire about our needs. If we can get the ammunition and practice at a range which is closer to our homes it will not just ensure our safety during Covid times but also allow us to devote more time to training. I am sure elite shooters who do not live in Delhi will benefit hugely from this decision. This will ensure that we can continue our Olympic training.”
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Rule 3 of All India Services  Rules, 1958 regarding “Future good Conduct” of the pensioners has not been amended
Dr Jitendra Singh reiterates that the condition of “future good conduct” has been present in the Rules since 18.08.1958
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, the Rule 3 of All India Services  Rules, 1958 regarding “Future good Conduct” of the pensioners has not been amended.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated that the condition of “future good conduct” has been present in the Rules since 18.08.1958. He said, “Future good conduct of the pensioners is an implied condition of every grant of pension and its continuance.”
The Minister also clarified that the amendment on 06th July, 2023 was made with respect to the members of All India Services, who have worked in any Intelligence or Security-related organisation in order to regulate the publication of any material/sensitive information after retirement which might prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State or relation with a foreign State.
A similar provision is also available in Civil Services  Rules, 2021 for those Central Government officers who have worked in any Intelligence or Security-related organisation.
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Ministry of Science & Technology
A dialogue on ‘Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture and Climate change’ at the Indian Science Congress
Nagpur/Mumbai: 06 Jan 2023
The 108th Indian Science Congress is taking place at the Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University. A dialogue on ‘Sustainable Fishries and Aquaculture’ was organized on 5th Jan 2023, at the A. K. Dorle Auditorium. It was chaired by Dr. Basant Kumar Das, Director, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata.
In the seminar, Dr. Uttam Kumar, Director, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, presented a research paper on ‘Impact of Climate Change on Inland Open Water and Aquatic Genetic Resources.’ The paper discussed how due to disruptive factors like floods, hurricanes, an increasing outbreak of different diseases, parasites, algal blooms etc and other ill effects of climate chanage, the stock of fish and production infrastructure is getting destroyed. He also spoke on how this leads to damage to bio-diversity, risk to hereditary resourses, reproduction failures, reduced availability of seed stocks and altered distribution of species.
Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director, Central Domestic Fisheries Research Institute, presented his research paper on ‘Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Impact of Climate Change and Mitigation Measures’. His presentation pointed to a constant change in marine and terrestrial environments due to rise in temperatures. Changes that affect fisheries and aquaculture include droughts, hurricanes, floods, salinity levels, rainfall variations and rise in sea levels. Different changes that happen in aquatic community structures have an impact on availability, abundance and distribution of fish he said.
During the programme, Dr.Basant Kumar Das, Director, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata also presented his research titled “Domestic Fisheries and Aquaculture for Sustainable Development Goals and Women Empowerment”.
Source: DIO Nagpur
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Ministry of Railways
To ensure enough availability of foodgrains for Public Distribution system , Railways loads food grains double the amount what was done last year
More than 1500 rakes and more than 4.2 Million Tonnes of foodgrains loaded during the lockdown period from 25th March to 17th April 2020 compared to 2.31 million tonnes last year in same period
Indian Railways making all efforts to ensure that farm products like foodgrains are picked up on time and also to ensure uninterrupted supply chain
Indian Railways continues in its endeavour to ensure availability of essential commodities like foodgrain through its freight services during the nationwide lock down due to COVID-19.
In order to ensure that Kitchens of all Indian homes continue to run normally, on 17th of April 2020, 83 rakes/3601 wagons of foodgrains were loaded . During the lockdown period from 25th March to 17th April 2020, more than 1500 rakes and more than 4.2 million tonnes of foodgrains were loaded.
These efforts have been made to ensure that farm products like foodgrains are picked up on time and also to ensure timely supply during the nationwide lock down due to COVID-19. The loading, transportation and unloading of these essential commodities has been in progress in full swing during the lockdown period. Close association is being maintained with Ministry of Agriculture for foodgrains loading. It may be noted that CONCOR is also working with NAFED to ensure transpiration of pulses in a big way.
Indian Railways has also identified 65 routes for Parcel Special Trains since the start of the lockdown for perishable commodities including fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products and seeds for agriculture purpose. Till 17th April, 66 routes have been notified and time tabled trains are being run on these routes. Trains are being run even on those routes where demand is less, so that no part of the country remains unconnected. Trains have been given en-route stoppages at all feasible locations, so that maximum possible clearance of parcels may be done.
Ministry of Power
NTPC Unchahar Accident – an update at 6:00 pm
Power Minister Shri RK Singh announces Ex - gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs. 10 lakh for seriously injured and Rs. 2 lakh to injured during his visit to accident site
An unfortunate accident struck NTPC- Unchahar in the boiler of Unit #6  yesterday. Shri R.K. Singh, Union Minister of State  for Power & New and Renewable Energy visited the NTPC Station , Unchahar, UP early morning today and monitored the situation. Shri Shrikant Sharma, UP Energy Minister was with him.
Twenty nine persons have succumbed to injuries and 85 are being treated at hospitals in Rai Bareilly and Lucknow.
The Power Minister also announced the Ex - gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs. 10 lakh for seriously injured and Rs. 2 lakh to injured which is over and above the statutory compensation.
Power Minister met Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD and other senior officials of NTPC at the site and visited the injured persons admitted at District hospital at Rai Bareilly and Lucknow today to know the well-being and recovery of the injured.
Unit#6  of the plant is under shutdown after the accident; however the other units of the station are operating normally. NTPC is a system based organization with following best O& M practices.
NTPC family expresses deep grief, support and condolence for the deceased workers who contributed towards providing 24X7 power to all.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Revision of Air Quality Standards
Government has notified National Ambient Air Quality Standards  for 12 pollutants in 2009 to protect public health and environment from air pollution.
Review of the existing standards, criteria governing these standards as well as incorporating new parameters with advances in scientific research is a continuous process. With changes in fuel, technology and demographics as well as advances in air pollution measurement techniques, risk and exposure assessment, review of Air Quality Standards  are carried for better improvement in public health. Review of NAAQS has been sanctioned to a joint team lead by IIT Kanpur.
The Air  Act, 1981 stipulates functions of Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board as given below:
Section 16 – Central Pollution Control Board may lay down standards for quality of air.
Section 17 – State Pollution Control Board shall lay down, in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board and having regard to the standards for the quality of air laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board, standards for emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere from industrial plants and automobiles or for the discharge of any air pollutant into the atmosphere from any other source whatsoever not being a ship or an aircraft.
World Health Organisation  has published WHO’s Air Quality guideline  in September, 2021, The guideline makes recommendations for air quality levels to protect health of population and specifically mention that national standards should be decided in due consideration of other governing factors like background level, socio-economic status, national goals and further scientific research based outcome.
However, these guidelines for ambient air quality are guidance to policy makers and not legally binding. Periodic revision of NAAQS is undertaken to include new advancements in air pollution monitoring and its health impact.
This information was given by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Culture
Sahitya Akademi observes International Mother Tongue Day by organising ‘Multilingual Poets’ Meet
Kolkata, February 22, 2019
Sahitya Akademi organised a multilingual poets’ meet on Thursday  at the Akademi’s city office premises to observe the International Mother Tongue day. Noted Assamese poet Siddhartha Sankar Kalita, Bodo poet Phukan Basumatary, Chakma poet Chakma Asim Roy, Khasi poet Minimon Lallo, Hindi poet Ekant Srivastava, Maithili poet Vidyanand Jha, Manipuri poet Okendra Khundongbam, Nepali poet Yuva Baral ‘Ananta’, Odia poet Hemanta Mohanty, Santhali poet Panchu Gopal Hembram and Urdu poet Zarina Zareen read out from their writings.
Some of the poets recited their poems in English and Hindi translations to communicate their essence to the audience. Most of the poems were focused on themes like nature, language, society, contemporary situation and various aspects of this world. One minute silence was observed also to pay homage to Professor Namvar Singh, eminent Hindi critic and Fellow, Sahitya Akademi and Shri Ashru Kumar Sikdar, eminent Bengali scholar.
Dr Devendra Kumar Devesh, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi too spoke on the occasion.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
MONITORING OF COMPANIES PRODUCING ADULTERATED FOOD ITEMS
Under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the enforcement of standards and norms under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations primarily lies with State/UT Governments. Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and sampling of food products are carried out by Food Safety Officers of States/UTs and penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators  as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder.
To ensure effective enforcement, FSSAI interacts with the Food Safety Commissioners of States/ UTs through quarterly meetings of the Central Advisory Committee, Video Conferencing and State visits of senior officers of FSSAI. FSSAI provides financial assistance to States/ UTs under a Central Sector Scheme for strengthening of food testing infrastructure, including strengthening of State Food Testing Labs and provision for mobile food testing labs, as also under Memorandum of Understanding  framework, for strengthening of food safety infrastructure, hiring of manpower, etc.
FSSAI has advised Commissioner of Food Safety of States/UTs to carry out targeted enforcement and surveillance drive to check adulteration in food products such as milk, honey, oil etc.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government of India is implementing the National Mental Health Programme  since 1982. The Government is supporting implementation of the District Mental Health Programme  under NMHP in 704 districts of the country, under which, enhanced financial assistance of upto Rs. 83.20 lakhs per district per year is provided for detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/ illness and additional components like suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counselling in schools and colleges, etc.
Under the Tertiary care component of National Mental Health Programme, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to increase the intake of students in PG departments in mental health specialities as well as to provide tertiary level treatment facilities. In addition, the Government has also supported 19 Government medical colleges/institutions to strengthen 47 PG Departments in mental health specialities. The financial support for establishment of each Centre of Excellence in the field of mental health has been increased from Rs. 30 crores  to Rs. 36.96 crores per Centre.
Sufficient financial assistance is also provided to the three Central Institutions viz. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the LokSabha today.